Converting MOV to MP4 using Terminal

Qmaster is part of the Compressor toolset for distributed video rendering. I'd say it's overkill for a simple MOV -> MP4 transfer, especially since other tools are easier and cheaper (i.e. free).

Either way, the reason it's not working is probably because it's not installed. You can purchase Compressor from the App Store to get it.

Alternatively, check out something like VLC which can do this VLC -> File -> Convert/Stream and drag your MOV file to the window.

handbrake is another free option for converting formats. It has lots of convenient presets.

Free_Palestine25 wrote:

If I am wrong, this is going to sound dumb but doesn't renaming the file from example.mov to example.mp4 already change formats?

The file extension doesn't determine the file type. A file extension just makes it easier for people to quickly identify the file type (assuming the extension was matched correctly when saving/creating the file).

For example, you could have an .mpg video file with a .txt extension. That would not be a good idea as it would be confusing. Depending on the OS and its configuration, double-clicking such a file may attempt launch a text editor instead....and it may produce an error. Right-clicking, or Control-left-clicking the file and selecting a video player app (or selecting File --> Open.... from a video app) will allow you to actually play the video even with a .txt extension.

There is nothing wrong asking questions since that is how we learn.

If I am wrong, this is going to sound dumb but doesn't renaming the file from example.mov to example.mp4 already change formats?